Rugby World Cup: Japan's dream shattered by late goal

It was a case of a history repeats for Canada and Japan in today's Rugby World Cup clash in Napier.

The two Pool A teams drew their match at McLean Park 23-all following a 78th minute penalty from Canada's first five-eighth and vice captain Ander Monro in front of 14,335 fans. The two countries drew their 2007 World Cup match 12-all.

Both teams blew early scoring opportunities. Canada's openside flanker Chauncy O'Toole spilt the ball forward with the line open in the first minute.

Powerful Japan centre Alisi Tupuailai had the ball knocked from his grasp a minute later.

In the fourth minute Canada centre DTH van der Merwe was stopped short off the line after bursting off a pass from his second five-eighth Ryan Smith who was playing his 50th test. Their forwards had stolen the ball off a Japan lineout throw.

Seconds later Canadian prop Hubert Buydens was held up on the line by Japan's blindside flanker Sione Vatuvei. The seventh minute saw van der Merwe score the first try of the match after some quick passing from the Canadian backs proved too slick for some poor Japanese defence. Fullback James Pritchard kicked the conversion.

Japan replied two minutes later when hooker Shota Horie crashed over three phases after Tupuailai had made another burst. The Brave Blossoms' Kiwi first five-eighth James Arlidge kicked the conversion from wide out.

Tupuailai was forced to leave the field with an injury and was replaced by Kiwi Bryce Robins.

With the wind behind them Japan had the territorial advantage until the 23rd minute when Arlidge gave them a penalty and a 10-7 lead. Canada had the opportunity to equalise in the 25th minute when Ander Monro missed a handy penalty attempt after Japan's Kiwi second five-eighth Ryan Nicholas was judged to be offside.

Japan continued to dominate and surprisingly turned down a certain three points in the 35th minute. Three minutes later winger Kosuke Endo over ran a pass in an ideal scoring situation.

However he made no mistake a minute later when he scored under the posts following outstanding buildup work from Nicholas and Arlidge who added the conversion to give Japan a 17-7 halftime lead.

Canada oened the scoring in the second half with the try of the match from winger Phil Mackenzie in the 43rd minute. He used his tremendous pace to beat at least three defenders.

First five-eighth Ander Monro missed the conversion attempt.

Canada dominated possession and territory during the third quarter but the Brave Blossoms defensive play was admirable after the conceding of Mackenzie's try. Monro succeeded with his first penalty attempt in the 62nd minute to close the gap to 17-15.
However Arlidge extended Japan's buffer three minutes later with a handy penalty. He was on target with another penalty in the 71st minute from 36 metres out which gave the Brave Blossoms a 23-15 lead.

With five minutes remaining Monro scored a try after hitting the ball at pace following some good buildup work. He missed the conversion attempt.

However he tied the score with a handy penalty a minute later.

While Canada deserved the draw following a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, Japan will be disappointed not to score their second win in the history of the tournament for dominating long periods of the game played in ideal conditions.

Japan's World Cup campaign has ended and Canada will end their campaign with a match against the All Blacks in Wellington on Sunday.

JAPAN 23 (Shota Horie, Kosuke Endo tries; James Arlidge 3 penalties, 2 conversions) drew with CANADA 23 (DTH van der Merwe, Phil MacKenzie, Ander Monro tries; Monro 2 penalties, James Pritchard conversion)